Ben Portsmouth, who teaches electric and acoustic guitar at Leighton Park School has just been crowed World Champion at the ‘Images of the King’ contest in Memphis, Tennessee against 27 other finalists.
Ben went through to the final in Memphis after being announced as a winner in a Europe-wide search for the Best Elvis performer earlier this year. The competition is to find the best all-round interpretation of Elvis in looks, moves, voice, stage presence and musical ability.
Not only is Ben Portsmouth a natural showman but he is also an extremely talented professional singer/songwriter, a dedicated musician who leaves his audience craving more.
Ben has been teaching at Leighton Park School for 4 years and has passed on his passion of the guitar and Elvis to many pupils during this time. Henry Colbourne, a Year 11 pupil, said “It’s not a surprise how Ben won the Elvis award. He is such a great technical player and is always solid through jamming around the Guitar”.
John Dunston, Head, added “We are hugely proud of Ben’s achievement in this world-wide competition. We have always known of his immense talent here at Leighton Park and pupils taught by Ben often comment on his enthusiasm and amazing ability. Music is an exceptionally important part of the community here at Leighton Park and to have a member of staff achieve such a prestigious award makes us all very proud.”
On 6th November Ben and his band will be performing at the Irish Centre in Reading in aid of Cruse Bereavement Care, a charity which Ben is keen to support.