This month’s live interview is with Ray Guillemette, Jr., a 9-time international first-place champion who, after l6 years, is still one of today’s leading ETA’s.
In July 2001, at the peak of his career, Ray was the victim of a tragic motorcycle accident which resulted in the loss of his leg and ultimately being fitted with a prosthetic leg. But “A Ray of Elvis” is back now as “the “bionic Elvis,” stronger than ever and triumphant over tragedy.
In this interview, Ray tells us how the “bionic Elvis” term came about and how it actually describes everything he is doing these days....still performing as an ETA as much as he’s ever performed, but also taking advantage of other opportunities that have opened up. For example, his work with medical personnel and a prosthetics company, along with a new motivational program he is involved with. Ray feels that his former “one-dimensional career” has now become “3D.”
Ray says that, like so many other ETA’s, he finds that all age groups attend his shows and he likes to pay attention to the youngsters as he, himself, was so inspired by Elvis as a youngster. He also enjoys helping to perpetuate the music and the style of Elvis.
Ray says, too, that Elvis’ music, performing, and being an ETA have been the “best medicine” he could have ever taken while working through his challenges in the past few years. He appreciates the people who have “kept the faith” and says that he can now continue to give back and enjoy the music of Elvis.
Ray does a lot of work with Special Olympics groups, as well as other groups, and feels he is now able to stand in front of the participants and not only become inspired by what they do...but also show them that someone with a disability can lead a fulfilling life. Referring to Elvis again, Ray says that, as an ETA, Elvis is the thread that enables him to be in environments where he can touch and change lives – just as Elvis himself knew that he (Elvis) could touch lives.
After his accident, Ray was fitted with a new-on-the-market computerized knee joint in the hope that he could get back to the stage performing as soon as possible with the same level of performance. He has since worked with the Hangar Prosthetics company speaking to groups of medical personnel, occupational and physical therapists, other amputees, etc., at workshops and clinics – helping to educate others about prosthetics and the new technologies available. Ray travels to different market areas with Hangar, not only performing as Elvis but educating and motivating in other ways. He calls his motivational program “A Ray of Light” and says it is another dimension of his personal growth over the past few years since his accident. He emphasizes that he tries to convey the message that anyone can meet their personal challenges if they have the right attitude.
At last year’s 2005 Collingwood Elvis Festival Ray took home the first annual “Inspirational Elvis Gospel” prize – and a more fitting award couldn’t have been won by a more fitting recipient. Ray has been a true inspiration not only to his fellow ETA’s and fans but to those who have also been challenged by unfortunate circumstances. As you can imagine, Ray says that Elvis’ songs such as “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” which have always been favourites of his, now have a whole new meaning.
Ray says that there are others in the Elvis world who present a unique and positive perspective of Elvis and they should also be identified and utilized. He cites Canadian ETA Frankie Greco, who is also an amputee (above the elbow) as being a tremendous inspiration to him.
When asked if he has any different advice now for other ETA’s than he might have had 5 years ago, Ray says that Elvis or no Elvis, when you are in the public eye you are in a position that carries a responsibility. Ray feels that it’s more competitive being an ETA today and competition is good in that it keeps you active and sharp, but he stresses how important it is for ETA’s not to lose themselves. He also says he sees his peers who are excelling but “no-one owns the mansion on the hill” meaning that “Elvis was Elvis....we’re here and enjoying the foundation he laid, continuing the music and the legacy...but it’s important to recognize yourself, your own talents and passions..and identify what you need to know about yourself.” Ray says he’s seen too many people get lost or lose themselves, adding that everyone has their own strengths and traits and everyone brings a unique perspective of Elvis to the table, which makes the ETA world so colourful.
