Article written and Interviewed by Randy Stockum.

Katiuska,.. The name harkens the mind to think of mystery, intrigue, and even adventure. And while these are all a part of this young singer, the meaning of the name bestowed upon her by her parents is much more fitting of Katiuska ( pronounced kat-e-ush-ka). It is of Russian origin and means "The Princess of Love,.. Pure."

Katiuska was born in the Canary Islands but has also lived and traveled throughout many parts of the world. Places she has called home are Madrid, Sweden, Paris, Bangkok, Germany and her mothers homeland of Hawaii. She also lived and was schooled in England. Now , Katiuska is an American citizen and resides in Colorado, where she is preparing for her ascent to the top of the music world,.. and in this writer's eyes, she is Destined for Success.

You may say,.. well , that's all well and good, but what does that have to do with Elvis Tribute Artists'? Everything! Katiuska has been an Elvis fan herself since the age of 4 and has found a kinship, friendship and purpose among the ETA's and their fans. She often works as a backup singer for tribute artists', and has been even called the" Elvis female", by at least one other journalist,.. somewhat akin to a modern day Ann Margaret. At one time Katiuska was the Vice President of the Hawaiian chapter of The Elvis Presley Fan Club. And while Katiuska has her sights set well beyond being a backup singer for tribute artists,.. it is work she enjoys and remains loyal to. It keeps her close to one of her greatest influences, Elvis Presley. As  a matter of fact, so endearing is her affection for Elvis, that during a recent phone conversation I had with her, she told me she was getting to go to Memphis for the first time and was visiting Graceland. I swear I could
tell by her voice, that I could sense the Sparkle of glee in her eyes. It is that kind of passion that Katiuska possesses that keeps her focused on her own goals, dreams , and notoriety.

Katiuska possesses qualities that are worldly beyond her young years, and her wit, wisdom , and charm seems that of someone much older. I was amazed at the people she refers to that have influenced her as a singer. She made very few references to current singers, and also very few women. Of course there is Elvis, but then she says, "Big Band music, Jazz, Frank Sinatra, and one of her most favorite, Mel Torme. " A virtual sampling of the Greats from a bygone era. The women she did mention were actually sung to me over the phone. She showed me her talents of impression, by singing Marilyn Monroe's "Happy Birthday, Mr. President," and Barbara Streisands, "People Who Need People". Nothing short of Amazing!

While Katiuska is definitely looking to the Future, it would seem much of her Talent, Spirit, and Heart is drawn from the past. She has mentioned that she believes in Past Lives, and her knowledge and wisdom of days gone by somehow make me agree with her. After hearing Katiuska's talented singing and soaring vocal phrasing,.. as well as her undeniable charm, charisma, and sex appeal, it makes me wonder. Maybe Elvis IS alive. Katiuska feels that he is,.. and she says, "Elvis is my Dream, my Mentor and reason for singing. I hope he enjoys my singing and that he realizes what a Major influence he has been on my singing and my life." As for this writer,.. I will say this,.. no matter where Elvis is,.. I 'm sure he is honored that the same spirit, passion, and heart that guided him is still here among us, only this time it will be known as KATIUSKA!!

This is my latest honor world wide article in the lady luck music online magazine (March 2002 Edition), Elvis tribute site. My deep thanks to Joanna and  Jim.

Katiuska Hanohano was just a child of 4 when she first watched Elvis Presley on television. She remembers being seduced by his music and emotionally transported by his performances: a kind of innocent rapture for a developing child.

Since those innocent child moments, Elvis has haunted Katiuska. “Elvis has been my mentor since I was a child,” she explains. “I consider him my teacher and fellow soul traveler. Much of what I know of entertainment, I learned from watching him."

Katiuska hails from the island of Tenerife, the Canary Islands. Already a world-traveler, she left Tenerife and moved to Hawaii, at an early age, where her soul also lived. She currently resides in Denver, Colorado.

Katiuska has entertained in the Canaries, Spain, Thailand and America. She has sung with several Elvis impersonators here in the United States and abroad. Her musical plans are many, but the one that we are going to talk about in this article is her upcoming duets with German Elvis impersonator, Michael Tyronne and the summer 2002 production of “Elvis 2002: The Musical Road Show.” Everywhere she travels, Elvis travels. He appears as a synchronistic event, often appearing as a poster in a foreign city, a tune played on the radio while she is passing through a dark moment, or a picture seen in a magazine while boarding a plane. The pervasive intrusion of Elvis images into her life often astonishes her. “I know that the images and music of Elvis can be found everywhere and anywhere, but it’s happened many times that I will find myself walking down some obscure little avenue in Spain, England, the Canaries, wherever, and I’ll be thinking something about him, and I’ll turn a corner and there will be a poster of him, or cardboard cut out, the beginning of an Elvis tune issuing from a passing radio, or even an Elvis trinket seen dangling from a parked Taxi. I find this comforting, but still astonishing.”

Somewhere behind the curtain, Elvis is smiling.

By Mark Shone

Over the years I have written many articles, written books on a variety of subjects and have also managed and promoted musicians including Elvis tribute artists. I read an article back in June 2001 about a young lady they branded "The Female Elvis". Well I couldn't leave it there; I had to find out more. That young lady is Katiuska Hanohano, and she is a talent second to none. I visited her web site and first saw a picture of her, and what a beautiful young lady she is. Then I looked deeper and yes, you can almost see Elvis in her face.

I looked around her site, read the articles, her biography, etc. and found that she was born in Tenerife. Well this immediately struck a cord with me as I have Spanish blood on my mothers side, and my parents owned an apartment in Tenerife for several years, so I spent a lot of time on the island.

Anyway, apart from striking a cord, I decided to make contact with Katiuska, and I am very happy I did. She is very kind, sincere and just oozes talent, and she evidently has a wide knowledge and has been well educated.

She kindly has kept me updated on her progress and to listen to her sing (which you now can do on her web site). Well, as we say in England, it makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck, and I had goose bumps all over my body, what a voice, what a talent. Her vocal range is a credit to her, and she certainly sings with the same passion as Elvis; but let's not forget, it is her voice her talent, her passion.

Here is what Katiuska had to say about Elvis,

"Elvis has been my mentor since I was 4 years old. He is my teacher and my soul fellow. As a singer, I have learned all I know from him. I have sung with Elvis impersonators and look forward to working in the Elvis world - and beyond - as a professional freelance singer, both nationally and internationally. I hope always to present and honor a soulful image which Elvis taught and in the future to create my own music production company in his honor. I am much like him in many respects, and for a female singer that is a treasure. He is my beginning and end in music. He has given me the strength and growth to look to a future to come and never end. With him as my mentor, he is all I know."

Katiuska was born in Tenerife, Canary Islands, also known as The Fortunate Islands, and we are very Fortunate that Tenerife produced a dynamic, beautiful, talented lady named Katiuska Hanohano. Remember that name, because she will be around for many years to come giving us all enjoyment. I am proud to have her as a friend, and that I have found someone very special.

Katiuska Hanohano: The Singer with the Golden Voice.
Visit her website at: http://www.katiuska.net