Decades after Elvis Presley “left the building,” for the last time, his music and American-icon prominence live on through his legions of past, present, and future fans. Among those devotees who stand out as brightly as Elvis’ studded jumpsuits are the tribute artists.

Through a deeply personal photographic study, Erin Feinberg focuses on the diverse range of culture, fashion, and persona that Elvis impersonators embrace. By means of one-on-one studio sessions and interviews, King for a Day captures the individuals behind the Elvis façade, coaxing from them their personal connection to Elvis, how they came to this form of entertainment, and how this aspect of their life completes them.

Feinberg explains, “When I first saw a woman break down in tears after an Elvis performer knelt to wrap a scarf around her neck, I began to understand why these impersonators are an enduring part of our culture. It didn’t matter that he sang off key—at that moment, the performer and Elvis Presley were one and the same.”

Within these pages you will see people from all walks of life, all with a desire to embody a bit of Elvis’ spirit. Once these diehard fans slide into the famous black leather ensemble or The Aloha jumpsuit, they’re escaping into another world, the everlasting, larger-than-life world of Elvis.

Erin Feinberg is a photographer based in New York City. She studied at Northwestern University’s film school and went on to become a producer in the entertainment business. In 2001, she left the production world to pursue her passion for photography full time, earning a Master of Arts degree at NYU and the International Center of Photography. She has since done freelance photography for Rolling Stone, Sipa Press, PBS, Gibson Musical Instruments, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Condé Nast, and The New York Times, among others. Erin’s personal work focuses on long-term documentary projects and portrait photography.