Janice K. Kucera was raised in tiny Exeter, NE in south central Nebraska – far
from the hotbed of early rock & roll in Omaha, Lincoln, and Norfolk.
Brought up in a musical family –
Janice & her sister perfomed as a
duo performing western songs for
locals at an early age. Inspired by a high
school performance of Elvis Presley
songs – Janice discovered both
rock-a-billy music but a life long
love of Elvis Presley and his songs.
By late 1969 – Janice had convinced
her parents to take her to Presley’s
Memphis – to pursue a recording
career. She recorded several tunes
at the legendary Sun Records Studio
(Sam Phillips Recording Studio)
in Memphis in late 1969.
Although none of these tunes were ever
released, she struck a friendship
with a number of the Presley family and
employees – including Presley’s
Uncle Vester Presley – who lived at Graceland.
Over the next few years – Janice
was able to infiltrate a number
of Elvis Presley parties at Graceland
and other venues throughout
Memphis and became friends with
“The King of Rock & Roll”. Janice has
attended over 50 Presley concerts,
many times being invited backstage
and to private parties due to her
personal friendship with Presley.
Janice continued to perform throughout
the Midwest – billing herself as
“The Female Elvis”. In the
mid-80’s Janice’s career took off. She recorded
several singles and an EP featuring
both Presley covers and other
rock-a-billy originals and covers.
Around the 10th Anniversary of Presley’s
death – she was spotting by several
national promoters who recognized
not only her commitment to the
music of Elvis but her unique way
of conveying his songs during her
performances.
She was featured in a number of
national publications, including SPIN
Magazine, The National Examiner
and numerous other national magazines.
She was called to perform on both
the national Oprah
Winfrey Show and The Joan Rivers
Show.
Articles on “The Female Elvis” were
found throughout the world,
particularly in Europe where the
love of both Rock-A-Billy Music and
that of Elvis are still strong
as ever. Janice continues to live in Exeter,
NE and performs her blend of Rock-A-Billy
and Presley
music to the delight of crowds
to this day.
