Lee “Memphis” King is often asked why he became an Elvis Presley tribute artist.

His reply is always the same: “It was a very strong desire from childhood to be one,” he says. “I saw one of Elvis’ films, Roustabout, when I was only a few years old and I loved the man and his music from that day on.

“There hasn’t been a day since then when I haven’t sung an Elvis song and tried to perfect my tribute to his great voice.”

Officially declared “Best Elvis Tribute Artist in the World” at the 2005 Collingwood Elvis Festival in Canada, “Memphis” King will be showing why at the Grand Opera House in York on Sunday evening in Elvis On Tour, One Night With Elvis.

“To me, Elvis was the greatest performer and vocalist of the last century and I constantly strive for perfection when I perform his songs,” says Lee, who prides himself on paying meticulous attention to the way Elvis sings.

In 2007, “Memphis” King was the only British finalist in The World’s Greatest Elvis contest and also appeared in the special Elvis edition of The Weakest Link, both on BBC1.

He has toured British theatres and concert halls since 2004 with a tribute show that covers Presley’s entire performing career, from his early rock’n’roll years at Sun Records, through the movie years, to the ’68 Comeback Special and the Las Vegas white suits.

At Sunday’s 7.30pm show, “Memphis” King will be accompanied by an orchestra and backing singers and his costumes will be “accurate in every detail”.

Tickets for Elvis On Tour cost £18.50 or £17.50 on 0844 847 2322 or grandoperahouseyork.org.uk