Remembering
Greg McIntyre – SILVER ELVIS
By Bradford McIntyre
Greg McIntyre
SILVER ELVISBorn in 1953, Greg McIntyre was a dedicated professional vocal tribute artist based in London, Ontario. Unlike many in his field, Greg was not an impersonator; he was a singer who sought to capture the “second-to-none” musical talent of Elvis Presley. His mission was simple yet profound: to use his voice to project a sound that allowed others to “recall their own memories of the Elvis era.”
A Lifelong Pursuit of the “Sound”
Greg’s journey began at just eight years old, he heard “Teddy Bear” and was instantly captivated—not by the fame or the image, but by the sheer quality of the voice. By age fourteen, he purchased his first record, the gospel masterpiece “His Hand in Mine”, sparking a lifelong “involvement with the music” that saw him attend four live Elvis Presley concerts—moments he would later describe as the greatest of his life.
Unlike many in the tribute industry, Greg was never an “impersonator.” He was a vocal tribute artist. He didn’t want to look like Elvis; he wanted to sing like him. He spent years in solitary practice, developing the range and strength required to tackle the most demanding songs in the Presley catalogue.
The Black Belt and the Red Leather Belt
Greg brought a unique physicality to the stage, informed by his status as a Black Belt in martial arts. This discipline translated into a commanding stage presence that didn’t require rhinestones or wigs.
His signature look was as authentic as his voice: he embraced his natural silver-hair and performed in classic attire—simple pants and a shirt, accented by a wide red leather belt. This was a nod to the iconic “leather belt” aesthetic of Elvis’s most potent vocal years.
1997 Elvis Tribute Award
The turning point in Greg’s professional career came in the summer of 1997. He travelled from London to the inaugural years of the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Competing against dozens of traditional Elvis Tribute Artists (ETA’s), Greg walked away with the Elvis Tribute Award for his singing. It was a historic win that validated his belief: that the music itself, delivered with sincerity, was what truly moved people.
Following his win, Greg became a fixture of the Southern Ontario circuit. From corporate galas to the Collingwood Elvis Festival, the Western Fair, London Ribfest, or any of the stages where he performed, he was a strictly booked professional, known for his integrity.
Facing the Mountain
In 2002, Greg was diagnosed with colon cancer. For the next four years, he fought the disease with the same resilience he brought to the dojo. During this time, his performances of “You Gave Me a Mountain” and the soaring “An American Trilogy” took on a profound, spiritual weight. He continued to perform because he wanted people to “hear his voice,” finding comfort in the music even as he faced his own personal mountains.
A 20-Year Legacy
Greg McIntyre passed away on February 24, 2006. Today, as we mark 20 years, his words remain his best epitaph:
“Through my voice, I project the powerful sound of Elvis Presley’s music. Now, others can listen to the songs and recall their own memories of the Elvis era. I am a silver-haired singer with a sincere dedication to the man and his music!” Greg McIntyre
As the notes of his favourite song, “Until It’s Time For You To Go,“ play today, we remember not just a performer, but a brother, a father, a martial artist, and a singer who truly captured the sound of Elvis Presley..
In loving memory of GREG (Gregory Noel) McINTYRE
December 27, 1953 - February 24, 2006
~ with a song in his heart ~
“Being just 18 months apart, my brother Gregory McIntyre and I grew up side by side,
creating a unique bond rooted in deep love and affection.
I love you and I miss you. Your voice is still being heard.” Bradford McIntyre
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