David Wilson

Wilson David (b. 1940), famously known as "Singapore’s Elvis Presley" and "Singapore’s King of Rock ‘n’ Roll", is a celebrated Singaporean Tamil performer renowned for his tribute acts to Elvis Presley. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, he mesmerised audiences by emulating the look, voice, and charisma of the American cultural icon.

David was born to parents who migrated to Singapore from Chidambaram, India, in the 1930s. From a young age, he displayed a talent for singing popular hits of the 1950s and 1960s at community and social events. His introduction to Presley occurred during his teenage years, when he and his school friends would listen to Elvis’ songs in coffee shops. This interest soon developed into a passion that would define his career.

Starting in the late 1950s, David performed to packed audiences at popular venues such as the Ocean Park Hotel, the Sea View Hotel, and the Singapore Badminton Hall. By the mid-1960s, he had achieved significant fame, with a major show at the then National Theatre in 1964 and opening gigs for international artists such as Freddie and the Dreamers, Helen Shapiro, and The Honeycombs.

His ability to replicate Presley’s voice and stage presence earned him widespread acclaim. Known for high-octane performances of 20 or more songs, he drew crowds of up to 7,000 and commanded $2,000 per show, far surpassing the typical earnings of his peers.

David’s early days saw him performing with bands such as The Stompers and Naomi and the Boys. Later, he was backed by The Quests, with whom he staged many sold-out performances. His custom-made Elvis costumes, designed by a Californian friend, added to his on-stage appeal and were eventually donated to Singapore’s National Heritage Board.

David’s career mirrored Elvis Presley’s in more ways than one. He mimicked the same hairstyle, sideburns, and flair for dramatic stage antics. Despite never seeing Elvis perform live, David perfected his act through rigorous training and dedication.

David’s philanthropic efforts were noteworthy. He released albums and performed shows that raised substantial funds for organisations such as Beatty Secondary School and the Spastic Children’s Society.

Wilson David’s contributions to Singapore’s music scene, particularly his embodiment of Elvis Presley, left an indelible mark. From his dynamic stage performances to his philanthropic endeavours, David exemplifies the power of music to inspire and unite communities. 



For more information
Koh, Tommy, Timothy Auger and Jimmy Yap. Singapore: The Encyclopedia. Singapore: Editions Didier Millet, 2007
“B/W photograph showing Wilson David Performing at the Paya Lebar airport.” Roots.sg. Accessed on 1 August 2025. https://www.roots.gov.sg/Collection-Landing/listing/1523764 

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The information in this article is valid as of August 2025 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. If you have any feedback on this article, please submit here.