Ocean City's Favorite Elvis Entertainer Ted Prior Dies

Ted Prior, Elvis-inspired performer extraordinaire and beloved regular entertainer at Ocean City events, died this morning after battling brain cancer, according to his manager.

"It is with deep sorrow I report my friend and local legendary entertainer Ted Prior took his final curtain call today," Neil Regina announced on Prior's Facebook page about 8:15 a.m. "The stars in heaven will be much brighter and the music in rock 'n' roll heaven will be much sweeter with him in lead vocal."

In in December, Prior discussed how disappointed he was to have to miss the city's First Night celebration. He said it was—amazingly—the first time he had canceled an appearance in his nearly 50 years in show business.

In that interview, Prior—who took great pride that his coal-black Elvis swoop of hair was his own and that he hoped it and his awesome sideburns survived chemotherapy and radiation—was optimistic that he could come back and perform after successful treatment.

"I'm gonna give it the old college try," Prior said.

Prior lived in Galloway Township with his wife, Carol.

Ted Prior's Facebook page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000731173773

Ted Prior on Myspace: myspace.com/thelivingsoundofelvis

Check back on Ocean City Patch for reaction from city officials and funeral arrangements.