Beloved Elvis tribute artist and longtime Bayonne resident Eddie O’Rourke has died at the age of 71.

The well-known tribute artist, who lost his battle with cancer on June 25, will be remembered as one of the most prolific and talented Elvis impersonators of all time.

O’Rourke grew up on West End Avenue in New York City before moving with his family to North Bergen, and after touring around the country, finally settling in Bayonne.

Involved with music from a young age, O’Rourke began learning piano at the age of 8 and became interested in rock ’n roll in high school.

After high school, O’Rourke enlisted in the Army and was stationed in the south, near the epicenter of early rock ’n roll, Nashville. From there, O’Rourke worked with several legends of early rock ’n roll, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich, and Les Paul Jr.

But O’Rourke became most known for his Elvis tribute act, which he began performing in 1977, the same year “The King” died.

For more than 35 years, O’Rourke’s act has delighted Elvis fans across the country and earned O’Rourke induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and the honorary of title of “Ambassador of Goodwill” for the State of Tennessee.

On the 35th anniversary of the first time he performed his act, O’Rourke remained hopeful Elvis’ legacy would live on.

“I truly believe that 20 years from now, the same thing will be going on because the young followers have kept him relevant,” said O’Rourke.

In the Bergen Point section of Bayonne, O’Rourke ran a successful music school and studio for more than 30 years and he was active in historic preservation.

A memorial service was held for O’Rourke on June 28 at O’Brien’s Funeral Home in Bayonne. O’Rourke is survived by his wife, two sons, and three grandchildren.