Charlie Hodge, 71; Former Backup Singer and Guitarist for Elvis
Charlie Hodge, 71, formerly a backup singer and guitar player for Elvis Presley, died Friday at a hospital in Knoxville, Tenn.
For the last 15 years, Hodge performed in tributes to Presley at Memories Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., with Presley impersonator Lou Vuto. Theater officials said Hodge had been undergoing treatment for lung cancer.
Hodge met Presley when they served in the Army. After their service, Hodge worked with Presley and lived at Graceland for 17 years.
“We’re all Elvis fans who work here, and Charlie made us feel so close to Elvis,” Vuto said. “When you hung out with Charlie, it was like you were hanging out with Elvis and Charlie.”
The Alabama native’s musical career also included singing with a number of quartets, including one with gospel great Bill Gaither.
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