Since his first hit, 1977’s “The King Is Gone,” an ode to Elvis Presley, Ronnie McDowell has been topping the charts across the country. And coupled with his soulful country/pop crossover appeal and his resemblance to the King, McDowell has created a large, diehard group of fans the world over.

Hailing from Portland, Tenn., McDowell began performing music in the style of his musical hero Elvis, which spawned his first few hits for Scorpion records.

His admiration for the King would prove to be a lifelong passion and McDowell would go on to serve as the recording voice for a few Elvis themed records, TV shows and movies.

With his rise to fame in the late '70s, McDowell moved to Nashville and established his own sound.

During these years, he repeatedly climbed the Billboard’s Top 40 Country charts with a string of hits including “Older Women,” “You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation,” “I Love You, I Love You, I Love You” and “You Made A Wanted Man Of Me.”

Throughout his long career, McDowell has toured and made appearances with his friend and mentor Conway Twitty, Jerry Lee Lewis, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn.

To date, he has more than 30 albums under his belt, with most charting on the U.S. Country charts. Currently signed to Curb Records, he has also put out albums on MCA and Epic Records.

Ronnie McDowell will be stopping by the downtown Event Center in the heart of Opelika on Friday, July 22, for his “Greatest Hits Tour.” Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the show.

Check out ronniemcdowell.com for more information and to hear some of McDowell’s classic tunes