Genuine Elvis Concert Draws Lively Crowd in Tuscaloosa

The Bama Theatre hosted a special tribute show celebrating the King of Rock and Roll's legacy.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Over 500 people packed into the historic Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa for a special Genuine Elvis concert, featuring heartfelt performances and nostalgic moments that celebrated Elvis Presley's legacy and connected the community. The evening was emceed by Elvis's cousin, Edie Mae Hand, and included gospel singer Billy Blackwood and Elvis tribute artist Ronnie performing hits and sharing personal stories about the King.

Why it matters

The Genuine Elvis concert at the Bama Theatre provided a unique opportunity for the Tuscaloosa community to come together and honor the enduring legacy of one of music's most iconic figures. By blending personal anecdotes, spiritual moments, and faithful renditions of Elvis's greatest songs, the event fostered a sense of shared nostalgia and connection among attendees.

The details

The Genuine Elvis concert featured a lineup of performers with close ties to Elvis Presley. Gospel singer Billy Blackwood of the legendary Blackwood Brothers recounted meeting a young Elvis and his daughter Lisa Marie, while Elvis tribute artist Ronnie delivered heartfelt renditions of the King's hits interspersed with his own singles. The highlight of the evening was Ronnie's duets with Paulette Carlson, former lead singer of the Grammy-nominated group Highway 101, which showcased the power of their harmonies and the enduring appeal of Elvis's music.

  • The Genuine Elvis concert took place on Friday, February 14, 2026 at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The players

Edie Mae Hand

Elvis Presley's cousin, who emceed the Genuine Elvis concert at the Bama Theatre.

Billy Blackwood

Gospel singer and member of the legendary Blackwood Brothers, who opened the Genuine Elvis concert with personal stories about meeting Elvis and his daughter Lisa Marie.

Ronnie

An Elvis tribute artist who headlined the Genuine Elvis concert, delivering heartfelt renditions of the King's hits interspersed with his own singles.

Paulette Carlson

Former lead singer of the Grammy-nominated group Highway 101, who joined Ronnie for duets during the Genuine Elvis concert.

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What they’re saying

“This wasn't just a show. It was couples holding hands. It was friends singing together.”

— Mike McKenzie (1051theblock.com)

“For a few hours, Tuscaloosa stepped back in time. And stepped a little closer together.”

— Mike McKenzie (1051theblock.com)

The takeaway

The Genuine Elvis concert at the Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa provided a unique opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the enduring legacy of one of music's most iconic figures. By blending personal stories, spiritual moments, and faithful renditions of Elvis's greatest hits, the event fostered a sense of shared nostalgia and connection among attendees, reminding them of the power of music to bring people together.