The King Reimagined
Experience the magic of Elvis with Schmelvis, where every performance is a journey through Rock 'n' Roll history. Schmelvis: the one-and-only Jewish Elvis impersonator.
About Schmelvis
Schmelvis revives the spirit of Elvis Presley by delivering high-energy tribute performances across various venues. With unmatched charisma and stage presence, Schmelvis pays homage to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
Before the glittering capes and the Star of David belt buckle, there was a musician with a mission: Dan Hartal. A Montreal native with a lifetime in music, Dan was already a respected composer, songwriter, and performer, gracing local stages and earning accolades long before The King called. His early tunes were hits on Quebec radio, and his talent spanned genres from rock to R&B—a true artist with soul. Then, fate intervened with a newspaper article and a flash of inspiration. The King, Elvis Presley himself, might just have had Jewish roots. What started as a whimsical thought soon became a full-blown quest, and Dan Hartal transformed into Schmelvis: the one-and-only Jewish Elvis impersonator.
Schmelvis burst onto the scene in the cult-classic 2002 documentary, Schmelvis: In Search of Elvis Presley's Jewish Roots. This isn't your average documentary, baby! It's a hilarious, heartfelt "anti-documentary" that followed Schmelvis and a crew of filmmakers on a "Winnebagel" road trip from Montreal to Memphis and even to Israel. Their mission? To explore the King’s surprising Jewish heritage, say Kaddish at Graceland, and prove that a little bit of chutzpah is all you need to be the King.[1, 2, 3] The film became an international sensation, premiering at festivals worldwide and cementing Schmelvis as a true original. Featured in prestigious publications like The New York Times, The Economist, and TV Guide, Schmelvis became more than just an impersonator; he became a walking, talking piece of performance art, sparking conversations about identity, faith, and the universal power of rock 'n' roll.[4] He challenged preconceptions, celebrated the quasi-religious fervor of fandom, and, in his own inimitable way, showed us all that whether you're Jewish, gentile, or just plain fabulous, Elvis is for everyone.
Our Vision
Schmelvis captures the essence of Elvis with every note, bringing unparalleled authenticity to your event.
Our Mission
Leave a lasting impression on your guests with high-energy performances that celebrate the legacy of the King.
The Road Less Traveled: A Schmelvis Timeline
- Early 1990s: The Musician Emerges
Long before the jumpsuits, Dan Hartal is making waves in Montreal’s music scene. He’s voted “the next act to make it big” by the Montreal Mirror and his single, “What Happened to the Sun,” gets heavy rotation on Musique plus. A true songwriter and performer, building a name for himself.
Source: Songcast Music Profile
- 1998: The Spark of Inspiration
A Wall Street Journal article reveals a fascinating tidbit: evidence of Elvis Presley’s Jewish ancestry. For Dan, this isn’t just news—it’s a revelation, sparking the idea that would change his life forever. The seed of Schmelvis is planted, baby!
Source: JTA Article Referencing the Discovery
- Late 1990s - Early 2000s: Schmelvis Takes Shape
The persona is born! Dan begins crafting the iconic Schmelvis look and act—blending Elvis’s signature swagger with Hasidic Jewish elements. Local performances, often in intimate settings like seniors’ homes, start to build a buzz.
Source: Bill Gladstone for the CJN
- 2002: The "Winnebagel" Odyssey & Documentary Premiere
The big one! Schmelvis: In Search of Elvis Presley’s Jewish Roots hits the screen. Dan, as Schmelvis, embarks on a hilarious and heartfelt road trip from Montreal to Memphis and Israel. The film becomes an international sensation, premiering at film festivals and turning Schmelvis into a global cult icon. The world can’t help falling in love!
Movie Links: Amazon, Prime Video, ECW
Source: IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes, PopMatters Documentary Review and TV Guide Listing
- Mid-2000s - 2010s: The King's Reign Continues
Schmelvis’s fame spreads. He’s featured in major publications worldwide (The New York Times, The Economist, TV Guide) and continues to perform, bringing his unique blend of humor, heart, and rock ‘n’ roll to audiences far and wide. The legend grows!
Source: Songcast Music Profile (Mentions international press coverage)
- 2020: The Return of Dan Hartal, the Musician
After years where Schmelvis took center stage, Dan Hartal makes a significant return to his roots as a solo artist. He releases the album Zombie Nation, kicking off a prolific period of new music under his own name. It’s time to show the world the man behind the cape!
Source: Dan Hartal on Apple Music / Dan Hartal on Spotify
- 2023 - Present: Prolific Releases & Digital Adaptation
Dan Hartal unleashes a torrent of new singles, including “Epic-Cure,” “Smile,” and “Monkey Bizness,” showcasing his diverse musical talent. Meanwhile, Schmelvis adapts for the digital age, offering personalized videos on platforms like Cameo and Spotify bringing the King directly to the fans.
Source: Schmelvis on Cameo and Schmelvis on Spotify
- 2025 - Soon: The Schmelvis Book is Coming!
The untold story, the whole megillah! Schmelvis is penning his memoirs, sharing the behind-the-scenes tales of his extraordinary journey. Get ready for the full scoop—it’s gonna be a page-turner!
(Link to be added upon book announcement)
Latest Best Selling Book
The Legend You've Seen. The Story You Haven't.
You’ve seen the white jumpsuit and the Star of David belt buckle. You’ve heard the hip-swiveling hits. Now, for the first time, read the tale they couldn’t fit in the film.
Schmelvis is putting it all down on paper—the whole megillah! Go behind the music on a wild ride from a crazy idea in Montreal to a heartfelt quest through the American South in the legendary “Winnebagel.”
Packed with untold stories, backstage antics, and a whole lotta heart, this is the book every fan has been waiting for. It’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothin’ but the truth… so help me, Elvis.
- 5/5 Montreal News
- 10/10 Canadian Music
- 5/5 Amazon Bestseller
Today:
Still All Shook Up!
Today, Schmelvis continues to entertain audiences with the same passion and flair that made him a star. He’s a devoted fan of The King, a world-class showman, and the only performer who can make a jumpsuit and a yarmulke look this good. Beyond the stage, Dan Hartal continues to create music under his own name, proving that the artistic spirit, much like The King's legacy, never truly fades away. Whether he's lighting up a stage, delivering a singing telegram, or sharing his incredible story, Schmelvis is here to bring joy, nostalgia, and a whole lotta soul to the world.
