Hispanic Elvis “Though the debate rages whether he’s “Mexican Elvis” or “Hispanic Elvis,” he’s a beloved local celebrity — and he’s not Spurs Jesus. The costume is more relevant than ever now that the guy’s got his own mural. Photo via Instagram / taino_impressions Credit: Instagram / taino_impressions

After a fight with COVID-19, the health of flamboyant San Antonio street performer Hispanic Elvis has taken a turn for the worse, a family member said.

In a Tuesday post on a GoFundMe page created to cover Hispanic Elvis’ hospital bills, his brother George Cisneros said the longtime Market Square fixture is in hospice care.

“I was told to make funeral arrangements for him, which I’ve done already,” Cisneros wrote. “A lot of people have emailed me how they miss seeing him at Market Square and hope he’s doing better. I really appreciate everyone’s concern for him.”

The 76-year-old was hospitalized for two weeks in January to treat COVID-19 and an esophagus infection. At the time, Cisneros said he was unsure whether his brother would return to giving performances at Market Square but added that he’d support his decision.

“He loves to do what he does,” Cisneros told TV station KENS5 at the time. “He enjoys it and being with people.”

Known for colorful garb inspired by the King’s Las Vegas era, Hispanic Elvis frequently posed for photos with downtown tourists and local fans. Last fall, he became the subject of a San Pedro Avenue mural unveiled by artist Colton Valentine.

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This article appears in Mar 23 – Apr 5, 2022.

Sanford Nowlin is editor-in-chief of the San Antonio Current. He holds degrees from Trinity University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his work has been featured in Salon, Alternet, Creative...