Dead Elvis (composition)

Dead Elvis, also known as Develvis for Solo Bassoon and Chamber Ensemble (1993) by American composer Michael Daugherty, is a 10-minute, single-movement work inspired by the King of Rock-n-Roll, Elvis Presley. Dead Elvis was commissioned by bassoonist Charles (Chuck) Ullery and The Grand Tetons Festival, and Richard Pittman/Boston Musica Viva. The Chamber Ensemble instrumentation calls for solo bassoon, E flat clarinet, trumpet, bass trombone, violin, contrabass, and percussion. The premiere was performed by The Grand Tetons Chamber Players, Michael Daugherty conducting and Charles Ullery as soloist, in July 1993. The piece also suggests that the bassoon soloist dress as the King.