Rick Ludwig is the Des Moines Danny Gans

Will Las Vegas ever see another Danny Gans? That's like asking of Las Vegas will ever see another Elvis, Louis Prima or Cook E. Jarr. The likes of the musical impressionist, with his special mainstream gifts, unique background and mysterious life, will never be seen again-- not that there aren't many who would assume his mantle if given the chance.

There are the obvious Gansabees, like Frank Caliendo toiling at the Monte Carlo, or Larry G. Jones, working just off the Strip with Gans' old drummer and pal Raphael Erardy, but one man who just may be working his way toward Gansstyle greatest is plugging away in Des Moines, Iowa, chasing his dream through Singing Telegrams, Phonegrams and karaoke in the voices and personnae of Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Elton John, Billy Joel, John Denver, Johnny Cash and-- well, you name it.


Rick Ludwig is his name. Remember that name. We were led to the YouTube video again through a "Danny Gans" Google alert. The video description says:

"Similar to show like late, great Danny Gans in Las Vegas. Visit www.imanshow.com. Demo lasts about 6 min. with costume changes for 11 different artists in this order... Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Billy Joel, Johnny Cash, John Denver, Willie Nelson and Toby Keith. For hire 515-208-1782 or visit imanshow.com."

Who cares that it's an "i-man" show? Look past the production values and see a true artist with quite a set of pipes. America's Got Talent, look no further...