Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
Marshall Cohen—researcher and producer, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
MENTZ, Artie
MENTZ, Artie. (Dubuque, IA, 1943- ). Entertainer. Mentz used his close physical resemblance to Elvis Presley to develop a highly popular nightclub routine seen nationwide. Given the nickname "Elvis" by his Washington Junior High (now WASHINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL) English teacher in 1956, Mentz began his routine at the age of fifteen playing for private parties in the Dubuque area.
Mentz later played with a group called "The Rocking Shades" and starred in the five-piece rock band "Wildwood." In 2008 he was starring with a group called “Artie and the Pink Catallics.” In addition to his local popularity, Mentz has appeared on national television.
In 2003 he was inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
